Salisbury District Hospital protects patients and staff from winter infections

As a precautionary measure, staff at Salisbury District Hospital are asking visitors and relatives not to come into hospital if they have had ‘flu like’ symptoms, diarrhoea or vomiting over the last few days prior to an intended visit.

Fiona McCarthy, who is a senior nurse in Infection Prevention and Control said: “It’s important that we take every opportunity to reduce the risk to patients and staff and this measure will help us protect patients from infection and reduce the potential for these infections to take hold on hospital wards.

People should be aware that they should not visit if they have had any of the following or have been in contact with someone who has:

Sister McCarthy said, “We know that sometimes visitors feel they must take every opportunity to visit sick friends or relatives. However, if they themselves have been unwell they could be putting others at risk, so notices are in place at ward entrances to provide advice. If you’re unsure whether to visit, please feel free to contact the ward nurse before you come into hospital.”

General information about winter illnesses can be found on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk